Avian Influenza in the Aysén Region: Join the Effort to Care for and Prevent This Health Crisis

The first detected case was reported in the commune of Chile Chico on April 20, in a specimen of caiquén (Chloephaga picta), a native wild bird species classified in Chile as Vulnerable (VU). This follows an alert issued in early April 2026 regarding a new outbreak of the virus in the country, specifically in the Ñuble Region. In response, sanitary control protocols have been activated, including the culling of backyard poultry (domestic birds) to contain the spread of the virus.

Avian influenza is an extremely serious global issue. It is a highly pathogenic and mutagenic virus that has spread rapidly around the world since 2020 through the migratory routes of both short- and long-distance birds. It is currently present on all continents except mainland Australia (Contanzo, 2026). This high mutation capacity makes it difficult to control, as the virus can change from year to year. For this reason, it is essential to avoid contact between domestic and wild animals, as well as with humans. Doing so helps prevent the virus from continuing to mutate and adapting to different species.

Chloephaga picta. ©Murray Foubister

Impacts of Avian Influenza

Between 2022 and 2024, the country had already experienced unprecedented wildlife mortality events linked to avian influenza. The virus has not only affected wild birds—an estimated 60,000 died from HPAI in Chile during the first two years—but also marine mammals, including the southern river otter (huillín), the marine otter (chungungo), the Chilean dolphin, the Burmeister’s porpoise, and the South American sea lion (Plaza et al., 2024). 

More recently in Argentina, the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) has been severely impacted by the virus. Its sharp decline in the country led to its status being upgraded from Least Concern to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The number of breeding individuals dropped by more than 50% in high-density areas of Península Valdés, Chubut (WCS Argentina, 2024). Similarly, in the British Overseas Territory, between 2022 and 2024, the number of females in the three largest breeding colonies on South Georgia Island fell by 47% (Parra, 2025). Populations of this marine mammal in Chile are now also at risk.

Avian influenza not only directly impacts infected animals but also triggers cascading effects within the ecosystems they inhabit. By reducing or eliminating key populations, it disrupts predator–prey interactions and alters food webs, affecting both species that depend on these animals and those regulated by their presence. These imbalances can lead to changes in biodiversity, resource availability, and long-term ecological stability.

Mirounga leonina. ©B.navez

AIn addition, avian influenza has affected numerous domestic species, including farm animals, dogs, and cats. Transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact—for example, via contaminated water, food, or objects—or by consuming infected birds, whether alive or dead. Poultry are particularly vulnerable and represent a major source of spread. When the virus is detected, mass culling is often carried out to contain its expansion, resulting in significant economic losses for the poultry industry. This situation reduces the production and availability of products such as eggs and meat, while also driving up prices and impacting local economies.

Although the risk to the general population is low, the virus can infect humans, particularly poultry and farm workers, who may develop severe illnesses such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals or through exposure to their droppings, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. However, the risk associated with consuming animal products is negligible as long as they are properly cooked (such as milk, eggs, or meat).

While the virus primarily affects birds, its increasing ability to infect mammals is raising global concern. It has a high mutation rate, which is worrisome because it allows the virus to better adapt to mammalian receptors, bringing it closer to the ability to spread from person to person. This could potentially trigger a far more complex public health emergency than the one we are currently facing.

Observation and Reporting Are Key

To date, there is no effective treatment for this disease, making early surveillance essential. In this regard, carefully observing the wildlife around us can be key to detecting potential cases. In infected animals, the most common signs include sudden seizures, loss of appetite, staggering or lack of coordination, and diarrhea. In birds specifically, additional signs may include ruffled feathers, decreased egg production, bluish discoloration of the comb, wattles, and legs, as well as lethargy or prostration. In marine species, respiratory distress and excessive mucus around the snout may also be observed.

If these signs are present, or if there are any unusual mortality events among susceptible species, avian influenza should be suspected and handled with extreme caution. It is crucial not to touch or approach sick or dead animals. Instead, the situation should be documented with photos or videos and reported to the relevant authorities. Official reporting channels include:

– SAG: call +56 22 345 1100 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.); send a WhatsApp message to +56 9 3866 3611 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends/holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.); or email oficina.informaciones@sag.gob.cl.
– If you encounter penguins or stranded, injured, or dead marine wildlife, contact SERNAPESCA at 800 320 032.

It is important for poultry producers and backyard bird owners to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Recommended measures include:
Reinforcing coop structures and protecting water and food sources.

– Keeping birds confined.
– Building enclosures that prevent the entry of wild species and avoiding mixed-species rearing.
– Providing only potable water—never irrigation or other potentially contaminated sources—and ensuring feed is protected from contamination.
– If sick birds are detected, isolate them immediately, do not consume them or use them as pet food, and dispose of their remains safely, avoiding disposal in bodies of water.

Personal protection for those who live or work with poultry—or marine mammals—is also essential. Recommendations include:

– Receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection and potential viral adaptation to humans.
– Disinfecting footwear after visiting areas with bird presence and using personal protective equipment when handling animals, such as goggles, masks, gloves, and protective clothing or coveralls.
– Properly washing and disinfecting clothing and equipment.
– Keeping pets such as dogs and cats indoors to prevent them from roaming freely and coming into contact with potentially contaminated species or environments.

It is important for the public to stay informed. In this regard, SAG has made available an online dashboard with up-to-date information on the animal health emergency, including confirmed outbreaks, affected birds, and monitored premises, among other relevant data. We also invite you to download this infographic summarizing symptoms, recommendations, and official reporting channels, so you can keep it on hand in case you suspect a possible case of avian influenza.

Understanding the Crisis Through a One Health Approach

This health crisis is best understood through the “One Health” approach, which recognizes the close interconnection between human, animal, and ecosystem health. From this perspective, diseases are not analyzed in isolation but as part of a system in which pathogens can be transmitted between species and are influenced by environmental factors, such as the intensification of animal production or ecosystem disruption.

In this sense, avian influenza is not only an animal health issue but also a potential risk to public and environmental health, as well as to economic stability. This makes a coordinated response across disciplines, as well as collaboration between public and private institutions—and, importantly, the support of civil society—essential.
At Fundación Kreen, we believe it is important to be part of the solution. Currently, the Aysén Region does not have an active surveillance system to detect this virus in wild birds. For this reason, we are developing an early warning system for H5N1 avian influenza using Google’s Perch v2. We invite you to learn more about this initiative, called Silent Vectors, in our “Programs” section.

The detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza highlights a complex health situation that goes beyond the local scale, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, the economy, and human health. Its rapid spread and high mutation capacity underscore the need to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and coordinated response efforts. In this context, every individual’s commitment is key: we encourage you to help protect the environment by following health recommendations and sharing information to prevent the spread of the virus.virus.

References:

 Contanzo, J. (2026). Influenza aviar altamente patógena: una amenaza creciente. Wildlife Conservation Society. 

Panorámica Informativa. (2026). SAG confirma primer caso de influenza aviar altamente patógena en ave silvestre en la Región de Aysén. Panorámica Informativa. https://www.panoramicaysen.cl/post/sag-confirma-primer-caso-de-influenza-aviar-altamente-pat%C3%B3gena-en-ave-silvestre-en-la-regi%C3%B3n-de-ays%C3%A9

Parra, S. (2025). La gripe aviar fulmina a la mayor población de elefantes marinos del planeta. National Geographic España. 

Plaza, P., Gamarra, V., Rodriguez, J. & Lambertucci, S. (2024). Recent Changes in Patterns of Mammal Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Worldwide. Emerg Infect Dis;30(3):444–452. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902543/#SD1

SAG. (2026). Influenza Aviar (IA). SAG Ministerio de Agricultura. https://www.sag.gob.cl/ambitos-de-accion/influenza-aviar-ia

cover photo: Pareja de Canquenes (Chloephaga_picta). ©Alejandro Aguilar